Prevention

Pettis said it isn’t too late yet to give trees and plants a good soaking before the ground is frozen. The additional moisture will help plants withstand salt damage and other winter stresses.

He said another soaking in the spring will leach the salt out of soil in runoff areas.

One basic prevention against salt damage is to erect a barrier. Snow fencing can keep spray drift off of trees, and small trees and shrubs can be wrapped in burlap.

Avoiding the use of salt on sidewalks and driveways will also limit damage.

Johnson recommended deicing with calcium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate, alternatives to salt that are less harmful to vegetation. Still, they must be used in moderation.

“They’re not safe, but they’re safer,” he said.

A better solution may be to spread grit on sidewalks instead of salt. Pettis recommended sand or kitty litter.

If all else fails, think about transplanting next spring.

“Just move the plants out of harms way,” Johnson said.